Every summer, family and friends gather to take adventurous road trips together. If you want to enjoy a problem-free journey, the first step is to get your vehicle in tip-top condition. Here are some of the most critical maintenance tips to keep in mind before setting out.
Test Your Battery
A weak battery can put your entire road trip on hold. Before you hit the highway, be sure to have your battery tested. Even if your battery seems to be working perfectly fine, don’t take any chances. The hot weather actually puts extra stress on a vehicle’s battery so keep a set of jumper cables in your trunk at all times.
Check the Oil Level
You never want to make the mistake of traveling with a low level of oil. Not only does the motor oil hold the responsibility of lubricating the engine, but it also helps keep the engine running cool. Pack some extra motor oil to be on the safe side. During a 500-mile road trip, some engines can burn nearly a full quart of oil.
Examine the Tires
Pay very close attention to the condition of your tires. If you happen to notice a puncture in one, take a trip to a nearby service center. They can repair tires that have been pierced by sharp objects or get you all new ones. It is also important to keep your tires properly inflated as well. When traveling on the hot pavement, an under-inflated tire is far more likely to explode.
Look Over the Cooling System
If your vehicle’s cooling system is not up to par, it is only a matter of time before you encounter trouble or just a really hot ride. Remember, an overheated engine can self-destruct in a matter of seconds. Be sure the coolant level remains at the full mark. Duct tape is something that every traveler needs to keep on hand. In the event that a radiator hose suddenly bursts, duct tape can be used to temporarily seal the leak.
Inspect the Wipers
While on the road, there is a good chance you may encounter a thunderstorm. Now is definitely a good time to replace your wiper blades. A clear windshield will help you to spot out any obstacles that may stand in your path.
Don’t allow a poorly maintained vehicle to ruin your road trip. Taking a few precautions will certainly give you an extra sense of security.
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking and gardening. For more information on good car checking tips ask an Evans Tire & Service Centers near you or contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan
3 Comments
These are all really important to things to take care of before your car takes on a lot of miles. There’s nothing worse than having to deal with car problems when it’s hot out. Thanks for the advice!
Hi Laura, only thing I always check is tires. Thanks for other pointers!
It was a lot of money, but safety was my fiance’s #1 priority and you can’t beat Volvo’s safety record. That an she just didn’t like any of the other cars she test drove.i like this blog